Nothing to Lose

For some reason I have always reserved prayer for times when I needed to ask for something I deemed worthy of prayer. To me, "worthy of prayer" mean it was something very important, nothing foolish. I'm not sure why. I guess I always felt selfish and presumptuous asking God for little things like getting through an exam or helping me to make work on time. In a way it's similar to asking my parents for something as a child. Sometimes we don't ask for things like money for ice cream in case the ice cream truck comes because we figure we can't be so lucky as to get money every single time we ask. This all reminds me of this one day when I was just a child. My dad brought me to the pet store as we often went to buy multiple supplies for our zoo at home! I saw this adorable baby guinea pig. She was white with grey spots and her hair was still soft, not so hoarse like when they're older. Her little wet pink nose twitted here and and there. I don't think I gave it a thought before blurting, "Can we get that guinea pig? I want her." I didn't even consider that there's no way we could make an addition to the pets at home and you know what? He actually bought it! I'm not even sure I expected it, I was too caught up in the cuteness to think that he would actually say yes. We had our long haired, grey guinea pig Harry at home anyway! But sure enough, he actually bought it! That said, I believe we think way too much about whether or not we should ask God for help in times of need. I think when you need something, anything at all, even a nudge in the morning if you're not good at getting up, you should just ask God. What do you have to lose? Instead of thinking about if your question is selfish or if the discussion you'd like to have with God is worth it we should be caught up in the moment and go ahead and just speak to Him. He wants us to. He is our Father. He loves us and wants to help and, better yet, he CAN help!

Yesterday, I finally opened up to the idea that there is no discussion or question unworthy. God will discuss anything with us. I was feeling alright in the morning. I'd been slowly getting over a cold the days prior but felt enough energy to go to the gym. I went and came home and had breakfast and I started to get a migraine, a common occurrence for me. I took medicine and throughout the day got worse to the point of vomiting. Mind you, this is all while taking care of my daughter while my husband's at work. She too has been sick and cranky the past week or so. So here it is, late afternoon and I can't focus on caring for her any longer. I decide to make a "bed" between the living room and dining room in order to barricade her in the living room in case this lasts longer than I can imagine. I give her juice, water and snacks and I lay down. The pain is so horrific that I just start crying and, with no other hope, I just prayed. I asked God to please look out for Addison and to give me the strength to get through this so I can focus my attention to her, to just relief me. At one point my husband texted me and I could not even focus enough to write to him that I'm not doing well. 10 minutes later, I was able to sit up and open my eyes and everything was gone. Migraine gone, not even a headache left over, nothing. Nausea was gone as well, not even a lump in my throat. I was so overwhelmed that I open the blinds and looked out the window for a trace of Him, I'm not sure what I was looking for but I started crying and thanking God. I really needed Him and he helped me. God is all around, there is never a need to look for Him. He's there whenever you need Him.

Today's Promise From God

When others claim to be miracle workers ...

No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do!
Psalm 86:8

Today's Promise From God

When you feel like striking out against someone who has wronged you ...

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 5:7

Today's Promise From God

When you want to draw closer together ...

Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. That is the Lord's blessing for those who fear him.
Psalm 128: 3-4

Today's Promise From God

When you question whether anyone could ever really love you ...

I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.
Psalm 31:7

Today's Promise From God

When you feel you have no one to turn to ...

When you call, the Lord will answer. "Yes, I am here," he will quickly reply.
Isaiah 58:9

Today's Promise From God

When you want to live for God now ...

The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name ... I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation."
Psalm 91:14-16

Today's Promise From God

When you're feeling pushed beyond your own abilities ...

All glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Ephesians 3:20

My Thought of the Day

Lately I find myself feeling very tired. Not so much physically, but more so emotionally and spiritually. I've had a few big situations come up with family and friends who have leaned on me in the midst of their trials. While I'm always happy and willing to uplift and encourage others, it can be draining. In those times I find myself just wanting to "veg out", to not have to think about anything and find some escape from reality for just a little while. Many times I forget I have a source of strength, well beyond my own capabilities, in Christ. That's not to say that throughout the trials and tribulations I'm not praying, I am, but it's not often for myself. Sure I pray that God will work through the situation and give the person peace, encouragement, and direction. Yet I forget to ask for strength and to wait on Him and be still in His presence. Psalm 46: 10a says "Be still and know that I am God."

I freely admit that I like to fix problems, if you have one, I'll try and fix it! Yet in doing so I'm forgetting that He is in control. So I spend myself on praying for other's situations and trying to figure it out for them, rather than just being still. I wear myself out doing this and it's in no way what God wants for me. Yes, He wants me to pray about the situation, but what He really wants is for me to GIVE Him the situation. To calm my mind and stop trying to figure it out! To trust Him enough to know that He's got it handled in a way my small human mind can't even begin to comprehend.

Matt 11:28-30 says,"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” God never meant for us to be tired and worn out from the trials of life. He's waiting for us to be still and lay down the burdens that we carry so that He can take them from us. Be encouraged today, if you're going through a tough situation or know someone who is and it's weighing on you, God is in control! Be still and know that He is God...

Today's Promise From God

When fighting for justice seems like a losing battle ...

At last everyone will say, "There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth."
Psalm 58:11

Today's Promise From God

When you're searching for happiness that lasts ...

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Psalm 16:11

Their Eyes Were Watching God

"Two things everybody's got tuh do fuh theyselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin' fuh theyselves."

This is a quote from Their Eyes Were Watching God which I recently completed. I thought it to be ahead of its time and timeless in many ways. The book was written in 1937 but is a romance and tragedy that takes place in all walks of life and could happen then, now and somewhere down the road. I strongly believe in what Hurston stated above. I believe the placement of going to God first and foremost and finding about ourselves after is completely intentional. When you open your heart to God and let Him in you have experienced a rebirth. Inviting God into my life changed everything for me. It changed how I perceive everything and for the better. There is a struggle going on for those who have not yet found God. I have dear friends who I've discussed Christianity with and they don't see the picture I try to paint for them. I call it a struggle because it's almost as if some physically, emotionally and mentally fight off God and his word. It's as if they're afraid to receive God and his word as the truth. They're holding on to false beliefs. Another book I just finished today is The Decision of a Lifetime by Marilyn Meberg and she discusses those who don't believe in the Bible. She quotes her friend Ed saying, "You can't prove your point by using a book I don't buy into." This is often the case of many and her response is dead on. Perhaps we can't prove the Bible to be true but one thing we can do is give testimony on our relationship with God and what he has seen us through. There's no better proof than your own life stories that God is good and God is with us. I can only hope that those who are struggling can one day find God because the relief I got the day I let go and let God will never be matched. It is not to say that when you develop your relationship with God that all your problems go out the window. What God does, though, is helps you through and teaches you through struggles. Many times people get tied up in their issues and become angry and bitter but when you have God in your life He reminds us that nothing with come of worrying, faith in Him helps you to let go of any problems you may have and allows you to breath, relieve yourself of trouble.

Zora Neale Hurston writes towards the end of her novel at a time of struggle, "They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God." No matter what time of day or where you are He is with you to see you through any and everything.

Today's Promise From God

When you want to belong to someone ...

Where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.
Matthew 18:20

Today's Promise From God

When you find yourself desiring what someone else has ...

Most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless-like chasing the wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:4

Say a Prayer for Japan

I'm so grateful for the opportunities given to me in High School. We were lucky enough to be involved in hosting Japanese students - an ongoing tradition for 30+ years, I believe, at Oneida High. I've remained close with many in the group who came. Facebook and Skype allow us to keep in touch regularly and, of course, with the crisis in Japan I grew very worried for my friends. Luckily, I've found them all to be in safe locations as well as their families. Recently, Haruka Higa, who I keep in regular contact with, had a letter published in Oneida's local newspaper, the Oneida Daily Dispatch. Here is the link to read the letter. Unfortunately, there are people out there who see this terrible crisis as propaganda. In sharing this letter from someone living through this tragedy I hope you will see that this is very real and that this country needs your prayers.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Psalm 46:1-2

If you would like to find out more on what you can do to help please click here.

Today's Promise From God

When things don't seem fair ...

Those who plan injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end. Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.
Proverbs 22:8-9

Today's Promise From God

When it seems the odds are against you ...

Nothing is impossible with God.
Luke 1:37

Harvest of Blessing UPDATE and new literature!

Sorry I was MIA again. We went to visit my parents so I was unable to post the daily Promises from God. I brought along with me a bunch of donated clothes from a few friends of ours and the check for $52 that we've raised so far. My mom is going to cover the rest of the balance to ship the clothing that's been donated to the Philippines. I think this shipment will help some of our relatives out as well as others in their community who are also in need of the items. Mom has shipped one box already that should arrive there in about 6 weeks and that was covered solely by her but included many items of clothing donated by Susan. The next shipment willbe using the money collected as well as clothes so I've requested photos to be taken of these 2 shipments. I'll let you all know when the next shipment goes out and hopefully I'll receive photos so I can show you all where your generous donations have gone!

On this trip home Susan and I and our families were able to get together and she gave me a wonderful gift of 3 books to read. The Decision of a Lifetime : The Most Important Choice You'll Ever Make by Marilyn Meberg and Assurance for a Lifetime : Knowing and Living in the Confidence of Christ also by Marilyn Meberg. She also gave me Women of Faith : New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs : New King James Version. I have not opened any of them yet as I'm still catching up with past reading but I'm so excited and thankful for these gi

fts. Currently Micah and I are finishing How to Pray : The Best of John Wesley on Prayer together and then we plan to read Crazy Love by Francis Chan which we're both looking forward to. How to Pray is interesting and very basic. It's very helpful on how to focus on prayer and to go about what it is you're seeking. I feel that I sometimes think I know what I'm about to pray for but when I actually begin my prayer I'm not sure how to put something into words or what it is I'm really asking of our Lord but this book seems to put everything into perspective. The book is also a great reminder of how God works with us even if it's not always plain as day.

Another book I have just begin on my own is Their Eyes Were Watching God. This is a very short book and may seem like a quick read but the 'voice' of the book is very unique. You are reading the character's words as they said them so it takes a little getting used to. For example,

"Don't think Ah don't feel wid you, Janie, 'cause Ah do. Ah couldn't love yuh no more if Ah had uh felto yo' birth pains mahself. Fact uh de matter, Ah loves yuh a whole heap more'n Ah do yo' mama, de one Ah did birth. But you got to take in consideration you ain't no everyday chile like most of 'em. You ain't go no papa, you might jus' as well say no mama, for de good she do yuh. You ain't got nobody but me. And mah head is ole and tilted towards de grave. Neither can you stand alone by yo'self. De thought uh you bein' kicked around from pillar tuh post is uh hurtin' thing. Every tear you drop squeezes a cup uh blood outa mah heart. Ah got tuh try and do for you befo' mah head is cold."

This is the language of this book. I was reading the other day and my daughter was sitting with me so I read aloud and I found that I was actually hearing/feeling the story more this way so any time I'm feeling like I'm skimming the pages and missing the content I read aloud during the character's dialogue.

I'm really excited to finish some of these books so I can begin sharing my thoughts with you. If you've read any of these please feel free to share your thoughts with me here as well!!

Today's Promise From God

When you want to be the greatest ...

Anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 18:4

Today's Promise From God

When you feel like giving up ...

When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Psalm 94:19

Today's Promise From God

When it's hard to be honest ...

May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.

Psalm 25:21

Today's Promise From God

When you need supernatural comfort ...

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.

Romans 8:26-27

Back in business!

Hello everyone! I am so happy to see Debbie's posts while I was away and I'm so glad to see she has people thinking, including myself! I already feel as though I'm gaining so much from what Susan and Debbie have to say and their thoughts assist me in growing as a Christian. I thank God for allowing my family safe travels over the past week. I had a wonderful time seeing old faces that I have missed so dearly. This was my first time back to Chicago since becoming Christian and I had much to share with my friends. I was so excited to give testimony to dear friends of mine on how God has been working with me in my life. When I'm discussing my relationship with God to friends I feel as though he is right there with. I almost get overzealous in my excitement to share but part of me feels as though God is so happy for me that his joy is just rubbing off on my own! You know how when someone starts laughing it makes you want to laugh too? That's my feeling when discussing joy but instead of laughter it's pure happiness. I feel God's happiness for me and it pours out of me while I'm in conversation.

Harvest of Blessing - Don't forget to 'Like' this link! We're always seeking donations to assist us in this project. If you would like to donate please use the "ChipIn" box to the right! All of the details are on our Facebook Fan Page! Please share both this blog and Harvest of Blessing page with others so that more can have the opportunity to give! Thank you everyone who has already contributed - we're so close to our first shipment and I know we can do it ahead of schedule :)

Today's Promise From God

When you feel alone with no one to help you ...

He has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.

Psalm 22:24

My Thought of the Day

“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven." Matt 10: 33-34

Lately I've been re-evaluating a lot of things in my Christian walk and I've had to ask myself, do I do this? Do I deny Christ before men? Maybe not outright, but how many times do I hold my tongue because I don't want to "offend" someone, when I have the truth to offer them. I fear I've become so busy "doing" God's work that I've missed the true work that He's called all of us to, spreading the Gospel. Jesus said,

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen." Matt 28:19-20

I'm accepting the challenge to share my faith. What about you?

My Thought of the Day

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Phil 4:6-8